Catechist Know How December 2009

H1N1 Flu Prevention Tips for your Classroom

by Mary Lou Rosien

Santa may be saying, “Ha Choo, choo, choo,” instead of, “Ho, ho, ho,” this Christmas. The once called ‘swine flu’ is everywhere and spreading rapidly. In our role as faith formation teachers this H1N1 virus affects our classrooms too. My dear husband happens to be a physician so I asked him to give me some tips for us.

1. Don’t overreact! More people become seriously ill from the regular flu each year than are being currently infected with the H1N1. It is scary to think about how sick some people have gotten, but part of that fear is due to the fact that you are hearing about this flu and it’s consequences on the news everyday. Reassure students who may have been inundated with information about the flu and are scared. Most of my sister’s family had the flu and recovered without issue. Most people do.
2. The same old hygiene advice still applies. Remind students to wash their hands regularly and cough into the bend in their elbow. Perhaps keeping a large jar of hand sanitizer on the teacher’s desk for everyone to use may stop the spread of virus germs and have the added bonus of calming some fears.
3. Pray for the sick. Don’t forget to have your classes pray for friends, teachers, family members or classmates that are sick. Studies show that people who are prayed for actually heal more quickly than people who have no one praying for their recovery.
4. Don’t push yourself to teach if you are sick. This goes for student attendance as well. If you are sick, stay home. If your students are sick, encourage them to stay at home. Most physicians are recommending staying home for 7-10 days and for at least 24 hours after a fever has broken. If constant coughing is still a problem, err on the side of prevention.
5. Be aware of vulnerable populations. A recent news report stated that this virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the very young and very old, or anyone with underlying medical conditions, especially those with asthma or respiratory illnesses. If you or a student fall into any of these categories, consult your doctor on what you can do to prevent infection.
6. Don’t listen to rumors. Get the facts from your physician or from the government flu website. www.flu.gov»

Dear Reader, I pray that you will have a Blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year. Stay well!

Mary Lou Rosien is the author of Managing Stress with the Help of your Catholic Faith (OSV Publishing). Write to her at mrosien@rochester.rr.com.